Anzac Hall project wins $240k boost

MEETING PLACE: People attending the opening of the Anzac Hall in 1916. PHOTO/FILE

The future of Anzac Hall in Featherston is looking good with a major funding boost received to refurbish the heritage building.

NZ Lotteries has granted $240,000 towards the refurbishment project which includes a new roof, painting and other major refurbishment, repair and landscaping works.

It is projected to cost a total of $366,000 with the remainder to come from South Wairarapa District Council which set aside money from council reserves.

The council has been working toward the refurbishment for the last two years with the project to be completed in time for the hall's 100th anniversary in 2016.

South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples said the council was extremely grateful to NZ Lotteries for such a generous grant.

"This will ensure the Anzac hall with its heritage and story will last at least another 100 years and remain one of the most iconic halls in Wairarapa."

The hall was built in 1916 when New Zealand's (then) largest military training camp was established near Featherston.

The land, buildings and furnishings were entirely paid for by descendants of the early Featherston pioneers and the hall was erected to show their appreciation for the soldiers, designed to entertain them and to save them from the "pitfalls of the towns and cities".

Allen and Quentin Donald and William Bidwell led the fundraising back then, with the small community giving 10,000 pounds in just one month - the equivalent of over $1 million in today's dollars.

The opening of the hall was a large affair with the Minister of Defence James Allen speaking to the more than 4000 soldiers and visitors attending.

It was also the first building in Featherston to have electricity, via a generator, nine years before the township had reticulated electricity.

SWDC chief executive Paul Crimp said the refurbishment should ensure the hall survives for another 100 years.